O’BRIEN’S ENJOYING HUSSLE & BUSSEL

JOSEPH O’BRIEN’S Busselton (above) will fly the flag for the Irish as he looks to become the first five-year-old to land the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury today.

A sole raider, the young chaser was a winner over three miles when most recently seen taking the Kerry National at Listowel.

Despite his age, he is an experienced chaser having made 12 starts over fences, only once finishing unplaced when mixing competitive handicaps with Graded contests.

“All has gone well since Listowel, this race has been the target and we’ve been pleased with his prep,” O’brien (inset) said.

“He’s obviously been running in fiercely competitive handicaps and we’re hoping the ground will be as nice as possible. We’re really looking forward to it.

“He’s a youngish horse, but he has plenty of experience for his age and we’re hoping that will stand to him.

“Someone said that no five-year-old has won the race before, but he is a pretty experienced one.”